Do you remember that awkward time in life when you weren't really a child anymore but still didn't have all the qualifications for being an adult?  It's the time in life when we get the most anxious about who we are, what we want and where we are going.  American society doesn't have the same "rites of passage" that other societies use to officially claim, "You are now an adult."  I suppose in the Christian world confirmation comes close.  In the Jewish culture, the bar and bat mitzvah certainly provide that need.  But for most of us, it is this sort of non-event.  All of sudden we realize, hey, I'm grown up!  I believe that's what's happened at Prep in the last few years.  Suddenly we find ourselves more and more independent of the Abbey's care and in need of making careful decisions about our finances and our future.   It is like being removed from your parent's health insurance policy and in need of establishing some security.  These times in life are both worrisome and exciting.  On the one hand, you are forced to make critical decisions that need to be well thought out and that can be scary.  But on the other hand, you realize that these kinds of moments are precisely what you've been preparing for ... your parents have been teaching you all along that good judgment require steady planning and clear thinking.  Well, I am pleased to tell you I think the Prep School has come of age.  We are all grown up and ready to face the challenges ahead of us with strength, courage and confidence. 

We all have defining moments in our lives and I know your experience at Prep was most likely one of those special times. Whether it was learning from a great teacher like Pete Froehle or seeing a student excel, taking in the beautiful surroundings or perhaps experiencing God in a new way, I'm sure you have more than one fond memory of Prep.

Currently and for the past ten years, the percentage of alumni who are financial supporters of Prep is 11%. We would like to see that number go from 11 to 100%! More than a specific dollar amount, we are really hoping that every alum will participate this year in our annual drive. In describing our goal this year, one of our Regents cleverly turned a phrase from another appeal: Every alum, any amount. We also need support from current and past parents, extended family and members of the community who believe that investing in these young leaders will have a positive impact on our world. As Nelson Henderson said, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

Please be assured that your donation will go directly for financial assistance for our students. I am confident of that because this year we gave $803,142 to nearly 35% of our upper school students in need. This year's contributions goal is $350,000, so any amount you give will benefit a current student at Prep, even if we double our goal! Please give what you can this year to help us reach 100% of alumni giving and, most importantly, be able to offer a Saint John's Prep education to every student who wants to attend Prep.

My very best wishes to you and your family during this school year!

Peace,

Timothy Backous, OSB

Headmaster